RISK ASSESSMENT

What is Risk Assessment? A careful examination of what, in your workplace, could cause harm, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent them The aim is to make sure that no one gets hurt, becomes ill or results in losses

What is hazard? What is risk? Hazard = Risk ??? X What’s the difference?

Hazard Vs Risk HAZARD means something that has the potential to cause harm RISK is the likelihood that the harm will occur from exposure to the hazard, also taking account of likely severity of the harm caused

Risk = Hazard x Likelihood (Severity) (Probability) Risk can be reduced by reducing one of them or both

Steps in assessing risks Look for hazards Decide who might be harmed, and how Evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be done Record your findings Review your assessment and revise if necessary

Look for the Hazards Walk around & look afresh at what could potentially cause harm Areas to look at: Material/Substances; Equipment/Apparatus; Activities, Workplace; People; and Procedures Ask employees or representatives what they think Check with manufacturers’ instructions or data sheets

Decide who might be harmed, and how Group of people that may be affected operators, cleaners, contractors, maintenance personnel, members of the public, people sharing your workplace etc. Pay particular attention to young workers, inexperienced operators, disabled people, visitors and lone workers

Evaluate the Risks Consider how likely it is that each hazard could cause harm Can use the Risk Ratings Table to prioritize risk Determine whether or not you need to do more to reduce the risk Draw up risk control measures (actions list) if the risks are not adequately controlled

Risk Ratings Table 20 16 12 8 4 15 9 6 3 10 2 25 L I K E L I H O O D S Serious 15 9 6 3 Moderate 10 2 Minor L I K E L I H O O D Likely Unlikely 1 Insignificant 5 Very Serious 25 Very Likely Possible Very Unlikely S E V R I T Y High = 15 - 25 Medium = 7 - 14 Low = 1 - 6

Controlling Risks 20 16 12 8 4 15 9 6 3 10 2 25 L I K E L I H O O D S Serious 15 9 6 3 Moderate 10 2 Minor L I K E L I H O O D Likely Unlikely 1 Insignificant 5 Very Serious 25 Very Likely Possible Very Unlikely S E V R I T Y High = 15 - 25 Medium = 7 - 14 Low = 1 - 6

Controlling Risks Hierarchy of Control Hazard elimination (e.g. use of alternatives, design improvements, change of process) Substitution (e.g. replacement of a chemical with one that is less risky) Engineering control (e.g. isolation, use of barriers) Administrative control (e.g. warning signs, instructions) Use of Personal Protective Equipment as the last resort

Record your findings Keep the written record for future reference Meet legal requirements (e.g. manual handling, working in confined spaces)

Review & revise if necessary Review and revise, if necessary, your assessment when there is any significant change (e.g. new hazards arise due to new machines, substances & procedures) Regularly review your assessment to check that the precautions for each hazard still adequately control the risk and, if necessary, revise your risk assessment

Thank you ! Question & Answer ?